When school’s out and the weather warms up, kids naturally want to be outside more—riding bikes, running through sprinklers, playing tag with friends, or heading to the park. Summer is a great time for fresh air and active play, but it also brings health risks that parents need to watch out for, especially when it comes to staying hydrated and avoiding injuries.
With just a few smart habits, families can enjoy all the fun of summer while keeping kids safe, healthy, and feeling their best.
Why Hydration Matters
Children are more likely than adults to become dehydrated during hot weather. Their bodies don’t regulate heat as well, and they may not realize they’re thirsty until it’s too late. Active play, especially in the sun, causes them to sweat and lose fluids faster, which can lead to dehydration if those fluids aren’t replaced.
Generally, children aged 4 to 8 need about five cups of water per day, while older children and teens need between seven and eight cups, more if they’re active or in hot weather. Encourage kids to drink water regularly, not just when they feel thirsty. Younger children may need reminders, while older kids might respond well to having their own water bottles to refill and carry. If plain water doesn’t appeal, try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a few berries to make it more interesting.
If your child is doing prolonged physical activity or shows early signs of heat stress, drinking a pediatrician-approved electrolyte drink or oral rehydration solution may be helpful. These can help replace lost salts and fluids more effectively than plain water.
Watch for signs that your child might be dehydrated. These can include dry lips or mouth, fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom, headaches, dizziness, crankiness, or unusual tiredness. If you notice these symptoms, have your child rest in the shade and drink fluids immediately.
More serious signs—like rapid breathing, confusion, fainting, or hot, dry skin—could indicate heat stroke, a medical emergency. If you suspect heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention.
Helping Kids Play Safely Outdoors
In addition to hydration, injury prevention is essential to keeping kids safe during outdoor fun. Summer injuries often come from falls, bike accidents, bug bites, and active play gone a little too far.
Playgrounds are a favorite summer hangout, but they can also be the source of bumps and bruises. Make sure your child plays on age-appropriate equipment and wears closed-toe shoes for better grip. Visiting parks with soft surfaces like rubber or mulch can help cushion falls and reduce the risk of injury. As always, supervision is key, especially for younger children.
Bikes, scooters, and skateboards offer freedom and fun, but helmets are a must. A properly fitted helmet should sit level across the forehead, not wobble, and fasten securely under the chin. Helmets certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer the best protection. They are required for riders under age 18 in many areas.
Bug bites are another common summer issue. In most cases, they’re a minor annoyance, but some children may react more strongly. Use a child-safe insect repellent and check for ticks after playing in grassy or wooded areas. If a bite leads to swelling of the lips or face, hives, or difficulty breathing, call your doctor or visit urgent care immediately—these are signs of an allergic reaction.
Sprains, scrapes, and cuts are part of active play, especially when kids run around uneven surfaces or play barefoot. Keep a simple first-aid kit handy with bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and tweezers for splinters or ticks. Clean any wounds immediately and monitor them for signs of infection, like redness or swelling.
Knowing When to Call the Doctor
Most summer scrapes and mild dehydration can be handled at home. But if your child can’t hold down fluids, has trouble breathing, shows signs of a heat-related illness, or seems unusually tired or confused, don’t wait to get care.
Community Choice Pediatrics offers Walk-in Care seven days a week, so you don’t need to wait for an appointment when something unexpected happens. Whether it’s a heat rash, a sprained ankle, or a concerning bug bite, we’re here to help—quickly and compassionately.
Enjoying a Safe, Healthy Summer
Summer should be filled with sunshine, exploration, and fun, not stress or preventable injuries. With some planning and simple habits, you can help your child enjoy every moment while staying safe and well. And don’t forget, this is also a great time to schedule your child’s annual physical or back-to-school immunizations before the rush in August.
At Community Choice Pediatrics, we’re here to support your family with trusted care, flexible hours, and expert advice every step of the way. When kids are healthy and parents feel confident, summer becomes everything it should be.